Every year, as the monsoon settles in, Jungle Buddies sets out on a special journey beyond the city limits. This year’s annual monsoon tour to the grasslands of Bhigwan and Saswad, as part of our #BeyondMumbaiQuest series, was an unforgettable adventure across two batches in August and September. Both groups, led by Jungle Buddies’ founder Prathamesh Desai and Jungle Buddies Senior Birding Expert Rajesh Poojary, were ready to explore a world so different from the urban chaos.

Our base was the quiet Agnipankh Homestay, a welcome break from the city. The hospitality was a highlight in itself, with owner Sandeep Nagare making sure we were comfortable and well-fed with home-cooked meals. The traditional fried tilapia fish, bhakri, and sev bhaji were so good, they alone were worth the trip.

The real adventure began as we explored the vast grasslands. We covered areas like Kanbanwadi, Walchandnagar, and the Baramati region, all in search of the unique wildlife that calls this place home. During the first batch, we were met with a powerful monsoon show. On our second day, it rained relentlessly, turning the ground to mud and creating temporary waterfalls on the small hillocks next to our homestay. Even our drivers, who know the area inside and out, said they had never seen the roads in such a state. It was an unexpected twist, but it just made the safari more thrilling.

Despite the rain and the rough terrain, our patience was rewarded. Both groups were able to see all the species we came for. We found the Painted Sandgrouse and the Painted Francolin, along with the secretive Barred Button quail, Rock-bush Quail and Rain Quail. The Yellow-wattled Lapwing and Indian Peafowl were a common and welcome sight. We also caught a glimpse of the Indian Eagle-Owl in the famous canals of the Baramati region..

In Saswad, the quest for the Broad-tailed Grassbird was a true test of our determination. The area around Kanifnath Temple has trenches dug for plantation, and navigating through them with tall grass was an adventure in itself. Everyone had to be careful where they were stepping, but the effort paid off when we finally saw the bird. We also focused on the other celebrity bird species in the area, including the Crested & Striolated Bunting, Sirkeer Malkoa, Long-billed Pipit and the elusive White-bellied Minivet.

While both groups had incredible sightings, the second batch had a special moment. Led by Rajesh, they were incredibly lucky to catch a glimpse of the elusive Indian Grey Wolf. It was a major highlight, adding to the incredible memories made alongside the Indian Gazelle (chinkara) and the Bengal Fox that everyone got to see.

 

After each safari, we’d gather to talk about the day’s events—what we saw, what we heard, and how important these habitats are to the survival of these species. The tours were a perfect mix of excitement and peaceful immersion. They weren’t just trips; they were stories waiting to be lived, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Planning to explore Mumbai bird watching tours, connect with us for more details.

Photos Credits Gautam Eunny